Sleep affects kids' behavior

Published: Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Washington Post

Children can suffer from sleep disorders, too.

THE STUDY

A study of nearly 500 Rhode Island children aged 4 to 11 found that more than a third suffer from some sort of sleep disorder, including bedtime resistance, nighttime anxiety, insomnia, bed-wetting, snoring or gasping during sleep and daytime sleepiness.

The incidence was higher for children in kindergarten through second grade than for those in third and fourth grade.

WHAT'S NEW

Few studies have looked at sleep disorders in children of this age.

Although nearly all parents are aware of sleep problems in infants and young children, researchers led by Judith A. Owens from Brown University said, many parents and pediatricians do not recognize these problems in the older child and do not recognize the physical and behavioral consequences.

CAVEATS

The data is reported by parents, teachers and children and may contain some reporting error.

Defining sleep problems is also very difficult.

BOTTOM LINE

The researchers recommend that parents, teachers and pediatricians pay more attention to sleep issues and consider them when looking at behavioral problems and overall health.

They also urge parents and pediatricians to consult with the child's teacher about daytime sleepiness when a problem is suspected.